BJP leaders discuss Tamils issue with SL ministers

8 May 2015 03:46 pm - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

A BJP team from Tamil Nadu on a Track II diplomatic mission has urged the Sri Lankan government to expedite democratic reforms under the 13th amendment to ensure devolution of powers to Tamil provinces and grant of equal rights to Tamils.

"The issue of the 13th amendment was discussed with Lankan minister for health Rajitha Senaratne and minister for resettlement D M Swaminathan," BJP national executive member L Ganesan said on his return from Colombo on Thursday.

Ganesan visited Sri Lanka on an invitation from Ilangai Jayaraj, popular orator and expert in Kamban Ramayana, to address a conference in Colombo on the 12 century Tamil epic.

Ganesan combined his cultural visit with a Track II diplomatic mission with state BJP vice president M Chakravarthy to meet Tamils and interact with Sri Lankan ministers, as a follow up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state to the island nation in March.

"The issue of giving equal rights to Tamils was discussed with Sri Lankan minister for health Rajitha Senaratne and minister for resettlement D M Swaminathan," said the BJP national executive member.

Ganesan said the ministers had conveyed their government's commitment to rehabilitate around 80,000 war widows through professional training and skill development programmes.

During their five-day visit, a delegation of Tamils from Jaffna called on the BJP leaders. The delegation invited them to the northern provinces. Indian origin Tamil settlers in tea estates had also met them.

Chakravarthy said both Sinhalese and Tamils "are slowly getting out of the LTTE phobia and looking towards the future".

Speaking about conference, Ganesan said: "Jayaraj has been organising annual conferences on Asian epics and related literature for the past 25 years. This time he invited me to deliver the keynote address."

The conference was inaugurated by Malaysian deputy minister for sports M Sarvananan on May 1.

The BJP leaders also joined the Buddha Purnima celebrations in Colombo. "I have not seen something like this for a long time. Every street was crowded in the Lankan capital with people and vehicles. People lined up patiently to receive food specially prepared for the occasion and distributed in various parts of the city," he recalled. (The Times of India)

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

BJP leaders discuss Tamils issue with SL ministers

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

Wokeism: The Transgender and Drag Queen Conversation

How Lanka’s National anthem was amended due to superstition

Import of South Indian eggs: Sri Lanka walks on Indian eggshells

Wokeism: Is it destructive, or are you afraid of change? A response

Defeat in Ananthapuram Battle denoted the LTTE’s end

Wokeism: A Weapon of Mass Destruction?

Fake news fraud using Prabha and family

Most Viewed in News

SL Rupee depreciates against USD

SL Rupee continues to depreciate against USD

Rupee will gradually come down to 200 or 185 – President expresses hope

How Lanka’s National anthem was amended due to superstition

Ex-lover extorts millions from female over nude photos

Brothel allegedly run by popular actress raided in Kandy

TODAY'S HEADLINES

SL committed to successfully completing IMF programme - President

SL should stay committed to the multi-pronged disinflation strategy - IMF Managing Director

IMF approves US$3bn programme for SL, first tranche $333mn

Earth slip at Kabaragala estate Sixty houses destroyed, three critically injured

MIRROR CRICKET

New Zealand demolish Sri Lanka to sweep Test series

Williamson, Nicholls double tons put New Zealand on top in second Test

Royal College well-placed for win, S. Thomas’ 43 for 3

Royal declare second innings, give Thomians a 342-run target

Vishwa, Thenuka guide Kalutara PCC to victory

Only medal prospects for Asian Games, Arjuna says

Nippon Karting Slalom Championship 2023 organised by CMSC on March 26

New Zealand demolish Sri Lanka to sweep Test series